CA2540880C - A method and device for controlling drilling fluid pressure - Google Patents
A method and device for controlling drilling fluid pressure Download PDFInfo
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- CA2540880C CA2540880C CA2540880A CA2540880A CA2540880C CA 2540880 C CA2540880 C CA 2540880C CA 2540880 A CA2540880 A CA 2540880A CA 2540880 A CA2540880 A CA 2540880A CA 2540880 C CA2540880 C CA 2540880C
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- drilling
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- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 137
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 131
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 9
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002844 continuous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/08—Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/001—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor specially adapted for underwater drilling
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/08—Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure
- E21B21/085—Underbalanced techniques, i.e. where borehole fluid pressure is below formation pressure
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
- Drilling And Boring (AREA)
Abstract
A method and device for controling drilling fluid pressure during subsea drilling, where drilling fluid is pumped down into a borehole (15) and then flows back to a drilling rig (1) via the lined and/or unlined sections of the borehole (15) and a liner (14), wherein the drilling fluid pressure is controlled by pumping drilling fluid out of the liner (14) at the seabed, and where the liner (14) annulus (30) above the drilling fluid is filled with a riser fluid having a density different from that of the drilling fluid.
Description
A METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DRILLING FLUID PRESSURE
This invention regards a method of controlling drilling fluid pressure. More particularly, it regards a method of control-ling the drilling fluid pressure in an underground borehole during drilling of wells from a fixed offshore platform. The invention also regards a device for practicing the method.
During drilling operations, e.g. for petroleum production, the pressure head of drilling fluid present in the borehole and up to the platform, may cause the liquid pressure in the so lower portion of the borehole to become too high.
Excessive drilling fluid pressures may result in the drilling fluid causing undesirable damage to the formation being drilled, e.g. through drilling fluid penetrating into the formation.
i5 The formation may also include special geological formations (saline deposits etc.) that require the use of special drill-ing fluid in order to stabilise the formation.
This invention regards a method of controlling drilling fluid pressure. More particularly, it regards a method of control-ling the drilling fluid pressure in an underground borehole during drilling of wells from a fixed offshore platform. The invention also regards a device for practicing the method.
During drilling operations, e.g. for petroleum production, the pressure head of drilling fluid present in the borehole and up to the platform, may cause the liquid pressure in the so lower portion of the borehole to become too high.
Excessive drilling fluid pressures may result in the drilling fluid causing undesirable damage to the formation being drilled, e.g. through drilling fluid penetrating into the formation.
i5 The formation may also include special geological formations (saline deposits etc.) that require the use of special drill-ing fluid in order to stabilise the formation.
2 According to prior art it is difficult to reduce the specific gravity of the drilling fluid in order to reduce the pressure to an acceptable level. In many cases it has proven difficult to achieve sufficient reduction in the specific gravity of the drilling fluid without causing an unacceptable degree of change in the physical properties of the drilling fluid, such as viscosity.
It is known. to dilute the drilling fluid in a riser in order to reduce the drilling fluid pressure, see US 6536540.
io When drilling from floating installations, it is also known to reduce the drilling fluid pressure in the well and the weight of the riser by pumping drilling fluid out of the riser at a level below the surface of the sea. Thus US pat-ents 4063602 and 4291772 concern drilling vessels provided i5 with a return pump for drilling fluid, wherein the drilling fluid is pumped out of the riser immediately above the sea-bed.
When using prior art it is difficult to monitor the volumet-ric flow in the borehole, as the annulus above the drilling zo fluid in the liner, or alternatively riser, is filled with gas, typically air. This gas-filled annulus may fill up with or become drained of drilling fluid without being easily ob-served.
The object of the invention is to remedy or reduce at least zs one of the disadvantages of prior art.
The object is achieved in accordance with the invention, by the characteristics stated in the description below and in the following claims.
It is known. to dilute the drilling fluid in a riser in order to reduce the drilling fluid pressure, see US 6536540.
io When drilling from floating installations, it is also known to reduce the drilling fluid pressure in the well and the weight of the riser by pumping drilling fluid out of the riser at a level below the surface of the sea. Thus US pat-ents 4063602 and 4291772 concern drilling vessels provided i5 with a return pump for drilling fluid, wherein the drilling fluid is pumped out of the riser immediately above the sea-bed.
When using prior art it is difficult to monitor the volumet-ric flow in the borehole, as the annulus above the drilling zo fluid in the liner, or alternatively riser, is filled with gas, typically air. This gas-filled annulus may fill up with or become drained of drilling fluid without being easily ob-served.
The object of the invention is to remedy or reduce at least zs one of the disadvantages of prior art.
The object is achieved in accordance with the invention, by the characteristics stated in the description below and in the following claims.
3 When drilling from fixed platforms (drilling devices), a con-ductor is first driven into the seabed. G~h.en drilling a bore-hole from a fixed drilling device, drilling fluid is pumped through a drill string down to a drilling tool. The drilling fluid serves several purposes, of which one is to transport drill cuttings out of the borehole. Efficient transport of drill cuttings is conditional on the drilling fluid being relatively viscous.
The drilling fluid flows back through the annulus between the to borehole wall, the liner mentioned above and the drill string, and up to the drilling rig, where the drilling fluid is treated and conditioned before being pumped back down to the borehole. In many cases, this will result in a head of pressure that is undesirable.
By coupling a pump to the liner near the seabed as described above, the returning drilling fluid can be pumped out of the annulus and up to the drilling rig. According to the inven-tion the annular volume above the drilling fluid is filled with a riser fluid. Preferably, the density of the riser ~o fluid is less than that of the drilling fluid.
The drilling fluid pressure at the seabed may be controlled from the drilling rig by selecting the inlet pressure to the pump. The height H1 of the column of drilling fluid above the seabed depends on the selected inlet pressure of the pump, ~5 the density of the drilling fluid and the density of the riser fluid, as the inlet pressure of the pump is equal to:
P = H~ x Yb + Hz x YS
Where:
Yb = the density of the drilling fluid
The drilling fluid flows back through the annulus between the to borehole wall, the liner mentioned above and the drill string, and up to the drilling rig, where the drilling fluid is treated and conditioned before being pumped back down to the borehole. In many cases, this will result in a head of pressure that is undesirable.
By coupling a pump to the liner near the seabed as described above, the returning drilling fluid can be pumped out of the annulus and up to the drilling rig. According to the inven-tion the annular volume above the drilling fluid is filled with a riser fluid. Preferably, the density of the riser ~o fluid is less than that of the drilling fluid.
The drilling fluid pressure at the seabed may be controlled from the drilling rig by selecting the inlet pressure to the pump. The height H1 of the column of drilling fluid above the seabed depends on the selected inlet pressure of the pump, ~5 the density of the drilling fluid and the density of the riser fluid, as the inlet pressure of the pump is equal to:
P = H~ x Yb + Hz x YS
Where:
Yb = the density of the drilling fluid
4 Hz = the height of the column of riser fluid YS = the density of the riser fluid H1 and HZ together make up the length of the riser section from the seabed and up to the deck of the drilling rig.
s Filling the liner annulus with a riser fluid allows continu-ous flow quantity control of the fluid flowing into and out of the borehole. Thus it is relatively easy to detect e.g.
drilling fluid flowing into the drilling formation.
It is furthermore possible to maintain a substantially con-2o stant drilling fluid pressure at the seabed, also when the drilling fluid density changes.
Choosing another inlet pressure to the pump will immediately cause the heights H1 and HZ to change according to the new pressure.
15 If so desired, the outlet from the annulus to the pump can be arranged at a level below the seabed, by coupling a first pump pipe to the annulus at a level below the seabed.
In order to prevent the drilling fluid pressure from exceed-ing an acceptable level, e.g. in the case of a pump trip, the zo riser may be provided with a dump valve. A dump valve of this type can be set to open at a particular pressure for outflow of drilling fluid to the sea.
The following describes a non-limiting example of a preferred method and device illustrated in the accompanying drawings, 25 in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fixed drilling rig provided with a pump for the returning drilling fluid, the pump being coupled to the riser section near the seabed and the riser section being filled with a fluid of a different density than s that of the drilling fluid; and Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but here the drilling fluid fills a greater part of the riser section.
In the drawings reference number 1 denotes a fixed drilling rig comprising a support structure 2, a deck 4 and a derrick so 6. The support structure 2 is placed on the seabed 8 and pro-jects above the surface 10 of the sea.
A riser section 12 of a liner 14 extends from the seabed 8 up to the deck 4, while the liner 14 runs further down into a borehole 15. The riser section 12 is provided with required i5 well head valves (not shown).
A drill string 16 projects from the deck 4 and down through the liner 14.
A first pump pipe 17 is coupled to the riser section 12 near the seabed 8 via a valve 18 and the opposite end portion of ao the pump pipe 17 is coupled to a pump 20 placed near the sea-bed 8. A second pump pipe 22 runs from the pump 20 up to a collection tank 24 for drilling fluid on the deck 4.
A tank 26 for a riser fluid communicates with the riser sec-tion 12 via a connecting pipe 28 at the deck 4. The connect-a5 ing pipe 28 has a volume meter (not shown). Preferably, the density of the riser fluid is less than that of the drilling fluid.
The power supply to the pump 20 is via a cable (not shown) from the drilling rig 1 and the pressure at the inlet to the pump 20 is selected from the drilling rig 1. The pump 20 may optionally be driven hydraulically by means of oil that is circulated back to the drilling rig or by means of water that is dumped in the sea.
The drilling fluid is pumped down through the drill string 16 in a manner that is known per se, returning to the deck 4 via an annulus 30 between the liner 14 and the drill string 16.
1o When the pump 20 is started, the drilling fluid is returned from the annulus 30 via the pump 20 to the collection tank 24 on the deck 4.
Riser fluid passes from the tank 26 into the annulus 30 in the riser section 12. The height H1 of the column of drilling fluid above the seabed 8 adjusts according to the selected inlet pressure of the pump 20, as described in the general part of the description.
The volume of riser fluid flowing into and out of the tank 26 is monitored, making it possible to keep a check e.g. on ao whether drilling fluid is disappearing into the well forma-tion, or gas or liquid is flowing from the formation and into the system.
The invention makes it possible by use of simple means to achieve a significant reduction in the pressure of the drill-a5 ing fluid in the borehole 15.
Figure 2 shows a situation where a higher inlet pressure has been selected for the pump, and where the heights H1 and HZ of the fluid columns have changed relative to the situation shown in Figure 1.
s Filling the liner annulus with a riser fluid allows continu-ous flow quantity control of the fluid flowing into and out of the borehole. Thus it is relatively easy to detect e.g.
drilling fluid flowing into the drilling formation.
It is furthermore possible to maintain a substantially con-2o stant drilling fluid pressure at the seabed, also when the drilling fluid density changes.
Choosing another inlet pressure to the pump will immediately cause the heights H1 and HZ to change according to the new pressure.
15 If so desired, the outlet from the annulus to the pump can be arranged at a level below the seabed, by coupling a first pump pipe to the annulus at a level below the seabed.
In order to prevent the drilling fluid pressure from exceed-ing an acceptable level, e.g. in the case of a pump trip, the zo riser may be provided with a dump valve. A dump valve of this type can be set to open at a particular pressure for outflow of drilling fluid to the sea.
The following describes a non-limiting example of a preferred method and device illustrated in the accompanying drawings, 25 in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fixed drilling rig provided with a pump for the returning drilling fluid, the pump being coupled to the riser section near the seabed and the riser section being filled with a fluid of a different density than s that of the drilling fluid; and Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but here the drilling fluid fills a greater part of the riser section.
In the drawings reference number 1 denotes a fixed drilling rig comprising a support structure 2, a deck 4 and a derrick so 6. The support structure 2 is placed on the seabed 8 and pro-jects above the surface 10 of the sea.
A riser section 12 of a liner 14 extends from the seabed 8 up to the deck 4, while the liner 14 runs further down into a borehole 15. The riser section 12 is provided with required i5 well head valves (not shown).
A drill string 16 projects from the deck 4 and down through the liner 14.
A first pump pipe 17 is coupled to the riser section 12 near the seabed 8 via a valve 18 and the opposite end portion of ao the pump pipe 17 is coupled to a pump 20 placed near the sea-bed 8. A second pump pipe 22 runs from the pump 20 up to a collection tank 24 for drilling fluid on the deck 4.
A tank 26 for a riser fluid communicates with the riser sec-tion 12 via a connecting pipe 28 at the deck 4. The connect-a5 ing pipe 28 has a volume meter (not shown). Preferably, the density of the riser fluid is less than that of the drilling fluid.
The power supply to the pump 20 is via a cable (not shown) from the drilling rig 1 and the pressure at the inlet to the pump 20 is selected from the drilling rig 1. The pump 20 may optionally be driven hydraulically by means of oil that is circulated back to the drilling rig or by means of water that is dumped in the sea.
The drilling fluid is pumped down through the drill string 16 in a manner that is known per se, returning to the deck 4 via an annulus 30 between the liner 14 and the drill string 16.
1o When the pump 20 is started, the drilling fluid is returned from the annulus 30 via the pump 20 to the collection tank 24 on the deck 4.
Riser fluid passes from the tank 26 into the annulus 30 in the riser section 12. The height H1 of the column of drilling fluid above the seabed 8 adjusts according to the selected inlet pressure of the pump 20, as described in the general part of the description.
The volume of riser fluid flowing into and out of the tank 26 is monitored, making it possible to keep a check e.g. on ao whether drilling fluid is disappearing into the well forma-tion, or gas or liquid is flowing from the formation and into the system.
The invention makes it possible by use of simple means to achieve a significant reduction in the pressure of the drill-a5 ing fluid in the borehole 15.
Figure 2 shows a situation where a higher inlet pressure has been selected for the pump, and where the heights H1 and HZ of the fluid columns have changed relative to the situation shown in Figure 1.
Claims (27)
1. A method of controlling drilling fluid pressure during drilling offshore, comprising:
flowing drilling fluid down into a borehole in a sea bed beneath a body of water;
flowing drilling fluid back out of the borehole and into a conduit, wherein the conduit also contains a volume of riser fluid, wherein the riser fluid has a different density than the drilling fluid, and wherein the volume of the riser fluid is located above the drilling fluid starting at a demarcation zone between the two fluids in the conduit;
regulating a distance between a first level and the demarcation zone while flowing drilling fluid into the borehole and out of the borehole and into the conduit;
removing drilling fluid from the conduit utilizing a pump with an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit; and regulating a pressure of the drilling fluid at the inlet to the pump to regulate the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone.
flowing drilling fluid down into a borehole in a sea bed beneath a body of water;
flowing drilling fluid back out of the borehole and into a conduit, wherein the conduit also contains a volume of riser fluid, wherein the riser fluid has a different density than the drilling fluid, and wherein the volume of the riser fluid is located above the drilling fluid starting at a demarcation zone between the two fluids in the conduit;
regulating a distance between a first level and the demarcation zone while flowing drilling fluid into the borehole and out of the borehole and into the conduit;
removing drilling fluid from the conduit utilizing a pump with an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit; and regulating a pressure of the drilling fluid at the inlet to the pump to regulate the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising regulating the pressure at the inlet to be substantially constant.
3. A method of drilling offshore, comprising:
generating drill cuttings inside a borehole; and executing claim 1 to transport the drill cuttings out of the borehole with the drilling fluid.
generating drill cuttings inside a borehole; and executing claim 1 to transport the drill cuttings out of the borehole with the drilling fluid.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
monitoring a quantity of riser fluid flowing into and out of the conduit.
monitoring a quantity of riser fluid flowing into and out of the conduit.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising comparing a quantity of drilling fluid and riser fluid flowing into and out of the conduit with a quantity of drilling fluid flowing into the borehole.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the riser fluid has a lower density than the drilling fluid.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
decreasing the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone by lowering the pressure at the inlet of the pump.
decreasing the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone by lowering the pressure at the inlet of the pump.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
raising the pressure at the inlet of the pump to increase the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone.
raising the pressure at the inlet of the pump to increase the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone.
9. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 1;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 1;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
10. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 2;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 2;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
11. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 3;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 3;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
12. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 4;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 4;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
13. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 5;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum;
and producing petroleum.
executing claim 5;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum;
and producing petroleum.
14. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 6;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 6;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
15. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 7;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 7;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
16. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 8;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 8;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first level is about at a level of the sea bed.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein an outlet from the conduit to the pump is arranged below the sea bed,
19. A method of controlling drilling fluid pressure during drilling offshore, comprising:
flowing drilling fluid down into a borehole in a sea bed beneath a body of water;
flowing drilling fluid back out of the borehole and into a conduit, wherein the conduit also contains a volume of riser fluid, wherein the riser fluid has a different density than the drilling fluid, and wherein the volume of the riser fluid is located above the drilling fluid starting at a demarcation zone between the two fluids in the conduit;
regulating a distance between a first level and the demarcation zone while flowing drilling fluid into the borehole and out of the borehole and into the conduit;
and removing drilling fluid from the conduit utilizing a pump with an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit; and regulating a pressure of the drilling fluid at the inlet to the pump to regulate the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone;
wherein the pressure at the inlet is regulated to be substantially constant so that the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone is substantially constant.
flowing drilling fluid down into a borehole in a sea bed beneath a body of water;
flowing drilling fluid back out of the borehole and into a conduit, wherein the conduit also contains a volume of riser fluid, wherein the riser fluid has a different density than the drilling fluid, and wherein the volume of the riser fluid is located above the drilling fluid starting at a demarcation zone between the two fluids in the conduit;
regulating a distance between a first level and the demarcation zone while flowing drilling fluid into the borehole and out of the borehole and into the conduit;
and removing drilling fluid from the conduit utilizing a pump with an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit; and regulating a pressure of the drilling fluid at the inlet to the pump to regulate the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone;
wherein the pressure at the inlet is regulated to be substantially constant so that the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone is substantially constant.
20. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 19;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 19;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
21. A device for controlling drilling fluid pressure during drilling offshore, comprising:
a drilling device in a bore hole in a sea floor beneath a body of water;
a drill string;
a first pump in fluid communication with the drill string, the first pump and the drill string being adapted to direct drilling fluid downward towards the drilling device and into the bore hole when the drilling device is located in the borehole;
an elongated annulus adapted to direct the drilling fluid, after it has been directed towards the drilling device and into the bore hole, upward away from the drilling device;
a second pump including a pump inlet, the second pump being in fluid communication with the annulus at an annulus outlet, the second pump being adapted to pump drilling fluid out of the annulus after the drilling fluid has been directed upward away from the drilling device, the second pump and annulus outlet being proximate the sea floor;
wherein the elongated annulus contains drilling fluid extending to a first level above the annulus outlet, wherein the elongated annulus contains riser fluid extending upward from the first level above the annulus outlet, and wherein the device is adapted to maintain the first level at a constant distance from the sea floor while drilling fluid is pumped out of the annulus.
a drilling device in a bore hole in a sea floor beneath a body of water;
a drill string;
a first pump in fluid communication with the drill string, the first pump and the drill string being adapted to direct drilling fluid downward towards the drilling device and into the bore hole when the drilling device is located in the borehole;
an elongated annulus adapted to direct the drilling fluid, after it has been directed towards the drilling device and into the bore hole, upward away from the drilling device;
a second pump including a pump inlet, the second pump being in fluid communication with the annulus at an annulus outlet, the second pump being adapted to pump drilling fluid out of the annulus after the drilling fluid has been directed upward away from the drilling device, the second pump and annulus outlet being proximate the sea floor;
wherein the elongated annulus contains drilling fluid extending to a first level above the annulus outlet, wherein the elongated annulus contains riser fluid extending upward from the first level above the annulus outlet, and wherein the device is adapted to maintain the first level at a constant distance from the sea floor while drilling fluid is pumped out of the annulus.
22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the second pump is adapted to pump the drilling fluid out of the annulus under a controlled pressure of the drilling fluid with respect to the pump inlet.
23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the second pump is adapted to pump the drilling fluid out of the annulus while varying the pressure with respect to the pump inlet.
24. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is adapted to maintain the first level at a constant distance from the sea floor while drilling fluid is pumped out of the annulus by regulating the pressure of the drilling fluid with respect to the pump inlet.
25. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is adapted to move the first level to a smaller and greater distance from the sea floor while drilling fluid is pumped out of the annulus by respectively lowering and raising the pressure of the drilling fluid with respect to the pump inlet.
26. A method of controlling drilling fluid pressure during drilling offshore, comprising:
flowing drilling fluid down into a borehole in a sea bed beneath a body of water;
flowing drilling fluid back out of the borehole and into a conduit, wherein the conduit also contains a volume of riser fluid, wherein the riser fluid is different than the drilling fluid, and wherein the volume of the riser fluid is located above the drilling fluid starting at a demarcation zone between the two fluids in the conduit;
regulating a distance between a first level and the demarcation zone while flowing drilling fluid into the borehole and out of the borehole and into the conduit, wherein the first level is at an outlet of the conduit through which the drilling fluid is extracted from the conduit;
removing the drilling fluid from the conduit through the outlet utilizing a pump with an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet; and regulating a pressure of the drilling fluid at the inlet to the pump to regulate the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone.
flowing drilling fluid down into a borehole in a sea bed beneath a body of water;
flowing drilling fluid back out of the borehole and into a conduit, wherein the conduit also contains a volume of riser fluid, wherein the riser fluid is different than the drilling fluid, and wherein the volume of the riser fluid is located above the drilling fluid starting at a demarcation zone between the two fluids in the conduit;
regulating a distance between a first level and the demarcation zone while flowing drilling fluid into the borehole and out of the borehole and into the conduit, wherein the first level is at an outlet of the conduit through which the drilling fluid is extracted from the conduit;
removing the drilling fluid from the conduit through the outlet utilizing a pump with an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet; and regulating a pressure of the drilling fluid at the inlet to the pump to regulate the distance between the first level and the demarcation zone.
27. A method of producing petroleum, comprising:
executing claim 26;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
executing claim 26;
drilling into the sea bed for petroleum; and producing petroleum.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20035257A NO319213B1 (en) | 2003-11-27 | 2003-11-27 | Method and apparatus for controlling drilling fluid pressure |
| NO20035257 | 2003-11-27 | ||
| PCT/NO2004/000359 WO2005052307A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 | 2004-11-24 | A method and device for controlling drilling fluid pressure |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2540880A1 CA2540880A1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
| CA2540880C true CA2540880C (en) | 2012-08-28 |
Family
ID=30439595
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2540880A Expired - Fee Related CA2540880C (en) | 2003-11-27 | 2004-11-24 | A method and device for controlling drilling fluid pressure |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7677329B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1702135B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE386189T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0416970B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2540880C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602004011833D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK1702135T3 (en) |
| EG (1) | EG23985A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO319213B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2005052307A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2803812C (en) | 2001-09-10 | 2015-11-17 | Ocean Riser Systems As | Arrangement and method for regulating bottom hole pressures when drilling deepwater offshore wells |
| USRE43199E1 (en) | 2001-09-10 | 2012-02-21 | Ocean Rider Systems AS | Arrangement and method for regulating bottom hole pressures when drilling deepwater offshore wells |
| NO325931B1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2008-08-18 | Agr Subsea As | Device and method of flow aid in a pipeline |
| SG10201600512RA (en) | 2006-11-07 | 2016-02-26 | Halliburton Energy Services Inc | Offshore universal riser system |
| GB0706745D0 (en) * | 2007-04-05 | 2007-05-16 | Technip France Sa | An apparatus for venting an annular space between a liner and a pipeline of a subsea riser |
| US8281875B2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2012-10-09 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pressure and flow control in drilling operations |
| US8322442B2 (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2012-12-04 | Vetco Gray Inc. | Well unloading package |
| BR112012001196A2 (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2016-03-01 | Bp Corp North America Inc | methods for drilling offshore wells |
| IN2012DN02965A (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2015-07-31 | Bp Corp North America Inc | |
| EP2483513B1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2015-08-12 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pressure control device with remote orientation relative to a rig |
| US8820405B2 (en) | 2010-04-27 | 2014-09-02 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Segregating flowable materials in a well |
| US8201628B2 (en) | 2010-04-27 | 2012-06-19 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore pressure control with segregated fluid columns |
| US8413722B2 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2013-04-09 | Agr Subsea, A.S. | Method for circulating a fluid entry out of a subsurface wellbore without shutting in the wellbore |
| US8162063B2 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-04-24 | Stena Drilling Ltd. | Dual gradient drilling ship |
| US8739863B2 (en) | 2010-11-20 | 2014-06-03 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Remote operation of a rotating control device bearing clamp |
| US9163473B2 (en) | 2010-11-20 | 2015-10-20 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Remote operation of a rotating control device bearing clamp and safety latch |
| CA2827935C (en) | 2011-04-08 | 2015-11-17 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Automatic standpipe pressure control in drilling |
| US9249638B2 (en) | 2011-04-08 | 2016-02-02 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore pressure control with optimized pressure drilling |
| US9080407B2 (en) | 2011-05-09 | 2015-07-14 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Pressure and flow control in drilling operations |
| WO2012177331A1 (en) | 2011-06-21 | 2012-12-27 | Agr Subsea, As | Direct drive fluid pump for subsea mudlift pump drilling systems |
| EP2753787A4 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2016-07-13 | Halliburton Energy Services Inc | High temperature drilling with lower temperature rated tools |
| US8783358B2 (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2014-07-22 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Methods and systems for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe riser |
| WO2013050872A2 (en) | 2011-10-04 | 2013-04-11 | Agr Subsea, A.S. | System and method for inhibiting an explosive atmosphere in open riser subsea mud return drilling systems |
| US9447647B2 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2016-09-20 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Preemptive setpoint pressure offset for flow diversion in drilling operations |
| US20130220600A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Well drilling systems and methods with pump drawing fluid from annulus |
| GB201503166D0 (en) | 2015-02-25 | 2015-04-08 | Managed Pressure Operations | Riser assembly |
| AU2017261932B2 (en) * | 2016-05-12 | 2020-10-01 | Enhanced Drilling, A.S. | System and methods for controlled mud cap drilling |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US3815673A (en) * | 1972-02-16 | 1974-06-11 | Exxon Production Research Co | Method and apparatus for controlling hydrostatic pressure gradient in offshore drilling operations |
| US3955411A (en) * | 1974-05-10 | 1976-05-11 | Exxon Production Research Company | Method for measuring the vertical height and/or density of drilling fluid columns |
| US4063602A (en) * | 1975-08-13 | 1977-12-20 | Exxon Production Research Company | Drilling fluid diverter system |
| US4030216A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-06-21 | Nor-Am Resources Technology Inc. | Method of and apparatus for underwater hydraulic conveying, as for ocean mining and the like, and continued transport of material in controlled floating containers |
| US4149603A (en) * | 1977-09-06 | 1979-04-17 | Arnold James F | Riserless mud return system |
| US4291772A (en) * | 1980-03-25 | 1981-09-29 | Standard Oil Company (Indiana) | Drilling fluid bypass for marine riser |
| GB9119563D0 (en) | 1991-09-13 | 1991-10-23 | Rig Technology Ltd | Improvements in and relating to drilling platforms |
| US6415877B1 (en) * | 1998-07-15 | 2002-07-09 | Deep Vision Llc | Subsea wellbore drilling system for reducing bottom hole pressure |
| US7270185B2 (en) * | 1998-07-15 | 2007-09-18 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Drilling system and method for controlling equivalent circulating density during drilling of wellbores |
| FR2787827B1 (en) | 1998-12-29 | 2001-02-02 | Elf Exploration Prod | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING TO A OBJECTIVE VALUE OF A LEVEL OF DRILLING LIQUID IN AN EXTENSION TUBE OF A WELLBORE INSTALLATION AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD |
| US6328107B1 (en) * | 1999-09-17 | 2001-12-11 | Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company | Method for installing a well casing into a subsea well being drilled with a dual density drilling system |
| US6401823B1 (en) * | 2000-02-09 | 2002-06-11 | Shell Oil Company | Deepwater drill string shut-off |
| US6843331B2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2005-01-18 | De Boer Luc | Method and apparatus for varying the density of drilling fluids in deep water oil drilling applications |
| US6536540B2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2003-03-25 | De Boer Luc | Method and apparatus for varying the density of drilling fluids in deep water oil drilling applications |
| US6926101B2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2005-08-09 | Deboer Luc | System and method for treating drilling mud in oil and gas well drilling applications |
| NO313712B1 (en) | 2001-03-21 | 2002-11-18 | Oddgeir Hoeiland | Method and apparatus for displacement fluid replacement fluid in a riser |
| CA2803812C (en) * | 2001-09-10 | 2015-11-17 | Ocean Riser Systems As | Arrangement and method for regulating bottom hole pressures when drilling deepwater offshore wells |
| US6814142B2 (en) * | 2002-10-04 | 2004-11-09 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Well control using pressure while drilling measurements |
-
2003
- 2003-11-27 NO NO20035257A patent/NO319213B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2004
- 2004-11-24 WO PCT/NO2004/000359 patent/WO2005052307A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2004-11-24 DK DK04808853T patent/DK1702135T3/en active
- 2004-11-24 AT AT04808853T patent/ATE386189T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-11-24 US US10/580,825 patent/US7677329B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-11-24 DE DE602004011833T patent/DE602004011833D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-11-24 EP EP04808853A patent/EP1702135B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-11-24 CA CA2540880A patent/CA2540880C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-11-24 BR BRPI0416970A patent/BRPI0416970B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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2006
- 2006-05-22 EG EGNA2006000479 patent/EG23985A/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO319213B1 (en) | 2005-06-27 |
| CA2540880A1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
| NO20035257D0 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
| DK1702135T3 (en) | 2008-06-02 |
| BRPI0416970A (en) | 2007-02-21 |
| US7677329B2 (en) | 2010-03-16 |
| EP1702135B1 (en) | 2008-02-13 |
| EG23985A (en) | 2008-02-27 |
| DE602004011833D1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
| ATE386189T1 (en) | 2008-03-15 |
| BRPI0416970B1 (en) | 2015-12-22 |
| EP1702135A1 (en) | 2006-09-20 |
| US20070119621A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 |
| WO2005052307A1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
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